DEN BOSCH - The public prosecutor's office (OM) has demanded 15 months in prison, three of which are suspended, against (former) county official Jan S, suspected of corruption.

According to the prosecution, in exchange for 80,000 euros, S. passed on confidential information about road construction projects to construction company Janssen de Jong Infra (JaJo) and even offered help in preparing tenders. Justice agreed yesterday before the court in Den Bosch that the province of Limburg will recover the "damages suffered by S.' conduct" of about fifty grand from the former official. The prosecution also demanded that S. not be allowed to be a civil servant for at least two years. Hans Nelen, professor of criminology at Maastricht University, speaks of a "comparatively hefty demand." Judges in the Netherlands very rarely impose unconditional prison sentences in corruption cases.

Against Dagmar M., S.'s wife, the prosecution demanded 240 hours of community service and three months of suspended imprisonment. Although she did not work for the province, she is nevertheless suspected of "complicity in official corruption. According to the prosecution, the woman played a directing role in accepting gifts, such as new shutters for the house paid for by JaJo. Jan S. denies that he accepted gifts or provided quid pro quos as an official. He stated to the judge that Jordy R. and Mark J., two managers at JaJo, were "friends" of his that he had known since his school days. He said he had renovations paid for by the now discredited construction company because of the VAT benefit. Counsel Maessen called the prosecution's demand "shockingly high. Against Jordy R., the prosecution demanded 150 hours of community service for his involvement in bribing S.

The also present suspected ex-JaJo executives Rob A. and Mark J. invoked their right to remain silent. Their case will appear later.